demilune

American  

[dem-i-loon] / ˈdɛm ɪˌlun /

noun

1. a crescent.

2. Fortification. an outwork resembling a bastion with a crescent-shaped gorge.

3. a crescent or half-moon shape, as of the top of a piece of furniture.

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adjective

1. shaped like a crescent.

demilune British  

/ -ˌljuːn, ˈdɛmɪˌluːn /

noun

1. fortifications an outwork in front of a fort, shaped like a crescent moon

2. a crescent-shaped object or formation; half-moon

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Etymology

Origin of demilune

1720–30; < French: half moon. See demi-, lune ¹

Example Sentences

The outdoor space consists of a tiny demilune balcony that overlooks the sea.

From New York Times • Mar. 20, 2024

Sunlight cascades through the demilune and tall windows into the great room with its 18-foot vaulted barrel ceiling made of narrow pine slats.

From Washington Post • Apr. 24, 2015

They cross the ditch; they mount behind the demilune.

From The Invasion of France in 1814 by Chatrian, Alexandre

Their main hope now was in a fortification which they had been constructing inside the Brussels gate —a demilune of considerable strength.

From The Rise of the Dutch Republic — Volume 30: 1579-80 by Motley, John Lothrop

The small demilune fort, with its four cannon, that was intended to guard the harbour, was also deserted.

From The Monarchs of the Main, Volume II (of 3) Or, Adventures of the Buccaneers by Thornbury, Walter